Taqiy Lewis, a 27-year-old man from Lakeland, Florida, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon in connection with a shooting on Christmas Eve in 2020.
The shooting occurred on December 24, 2020, at approximately 5:30 p.m. outside the home of 70-year-old M.C., where she was with her family, including young children. Lewis and others engaged in a shootout just outside M.C.’s residence, striking her twice and killing her. A 13-year-old girl, A.L., was also shot and wounded in the incident.
According to court documents, more than two years later, on February 9, 2023, during an unrelated investigation, ATF agents and officers from the Lakeland Police Department recovered a Kahr CM9 9mm pistol while executing a search warrant. Forensic testing using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) confirmed that this firearm was the one used to kill M.C. and injure A.L.
Further investigation revealed that six casings collected from the crime scene, two spent projectiles recovered from a home, and a bullet recovered from M.C.’s body were all fired by Lewis and the Kahr CM9 pistol he possessed. At the time of the shooting, Lewis was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Taqiy Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. The guilty plea brings closure to the family of M.C. and A.L., and we hope it will also serve as a warning to others who would engage in similar activities.
The Lakeland community is still reeling from the devastating effects of the Christmas Eve shooting, and this guilty plea is a step towards justice.
Defendant: Taqiy Lewis
Criminal Charges: Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
City and State: Lakeland, Florida
Date: December 24, 2020 (crime date), February 9, 2023 (gun recovery)
Sentence: Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison
Defendant’s REAL full name or legal entity name: Taqiy Lewis
Related Federal Cases
- Wesner, Financial Manipulation, Florida 2023 · Maryland
- Jean Robert, Firearms Offense, Virgin Islands 2002 · Maryland
- Jordan Denzel Lewis, Armed Robbery, Florida 2022 · Florida
- Nelson Geovany Pineda-Chacon, Gun Possession, New York 2023 · Arizona
- Lindsey Hayes, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Greensboro NC, 2024 · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
